Drum Brakes

[Eman]

When I built my car I set it up to footbrake. I have a Ford 9" in the back and used 2 sets of shoes so i could have all long lining covered shoes. Then I took the wheel cyls and with the help of a local parts store found the largest diameter wheel cyls that fit my backing plates. When footbraking the rear drums have great holding power as they are self energized, the shoes try to rotate against the drum which in turn forces them out harder as the lead shoe grabs. Also basic hydraulic principles, the larger the wheel cyl bore the more the hydraulic line pressure is pushing the shoes.

[Buick6]

Originally Posted by Eman

When I built my car I set it up to footbrake. I have a Ford 9" in the back and used 2 sets of shoes so i could have all long lining covered shoes. Then I took the wheel cyls and with the help of a local parts store found the largest diameter wheel cyls that fit my backing plates. When footbraking the rear drums have great holding power as they are self energized, the shoes try to rotate against the drum which in turn forces them out harder as the lead shoe grabs. Also basic hydraulic principles, the larger the wheel cyl bore the more the hydraulic line pressure is pushing the shoes.

This is similar to what I have doing for years on various GM G body cars. On the rear, I use the longer shoes with cheap soft non metallic linings and larger wheel cylinders from a mid 80's manual brake Chevy S-10.

[Coleydog]

Watch out putting long shoe on front, it might energize to much and lock up. That short shoe is done for a reason.

[Larry Hill]

Don't forget to check the backing plates for mounting hole distortion. We had to change ours out after two or three years of using a two-step,

[chris ok]

Thanks for all the info. This is a good informative thread. I am calling both strange and master power brakes. My friend w a similar car has 11 inch drums and no problems. Just no good parts yards near here any more. Anyone use the strange kits on rear? They offer both slotted and solid rotors. Will see what strange says tho.
Thanks again for the schooling throughout this thread.

[Bob Mulry]

Hi all,

Just a heads up on drum brakes.............

The brake shoes MUST be arced to match the drum inside diameter...

You need total contact to make the drum brakes work best........

On a street car if you drive enough they will arc themselves...

In a drag race car, not a chance.........

Most shops don't arc shoes anymore, but finding one that does will be worth it........

Bob